Guest Post: Low Calorie Eating on Vacation

by Cole Millen

Watching calories for your healthy lifestyle is difficult throughout the year, and going on vacation can often derail progress. However, it is actually easy to stay consistent with healthy habits while on vacation; all it requires is a some planning and research.

At the start of the trip, it is important to plan ahead and have an idea of what healthy options will be available while traveling. Make sure to eat breakfast before heading to the airport so that you won't be hungry. This will allow you to know exactly how many calories that you are putting into your body. At the airport itself, it may seem overwhelming to have so many food options, but stick to the plan. While you are waiting for a flight try to walk around and take the stairs instead of the escalator to burn some easy calories. Pick something like, like a salad or pieces of vegetables to get you through the flight. During the flight itself, avoid alcoholic and sugary beverages, as they contain empty calories. Stick to water as this will keep you hydrated and alert without adding any calories to your body.

Once you have arrived at your vacation location, it is important to scope out the area to see what options are available. Many travelers rely on using the mini-bar for snacks, but they are often filled with calorie-laden treats. A better idea is to stop at a local store or the hotel gift shop and pick up the options that you know you can eat without going over your limit. You can also select options like oatmeal or soup if there is a microwave in the room. Careful planning will help to ensure that you make healthy choices.

Determining information and amenities about hotels and restaurants can often be difficult but can inevitable be the difference maker in staying around your calorie limits. I recently took a trip to Sin City and found a great site that listed reviews for the amenities and services of each of the Las Vegas hotels and restaurants that made eat easier than ever to plan out every aspect. This allowed me to ensure that I could maintain my calorie count the exact way that I wanted to.

Since it is a vacation, you will most likely go out to eat for a number of meals, and the best way to make good choices is to have a good sense of the menu. Before selecting a restaurant, do some research; many restaurants will include menus and calorie counts on their websites, so spend some time taking a look through the options. Seek out locations that offer very lean proteins, such as fish or chicken, as well as a variety of soups and salads.

Once you've entered the restaurant, take a closer look at the menu and consider any specials for the evening. Make sure to avoid any descriptions that include words like creamy, fried, breaded, or buttered, as these items are often unhealthy. If you plan to eat a salad, try it without the salad and you could be eating a virtually calorie less meal. In terms of side dishes, pick a variety of vegetables. A good dinner option might include a chicken breast with the skin removed, a salad, and a side of vegetables. Finally, avoid the dessert menu at all costs. Even though the choices sound delicious, it is more important to keep up your healthy habits.

While eating healthy on vacation may seem difficult, careful planning can help travelers make smart choices. Planning ahead and having a number of alternative options is beneficial to keep your diet on track. Similarly, being conscious of your choices will help as well. Keeping these ideas in mind will lead to a healthy, successful trip.

Cole Millen, is an avid traveler and foodie who never forgets that life's best memories are made through real life apprehension of legitimate "experiences." Follow his blog at Cole’s Mill.